Thermal Modelling

Using dynamic simulation modelling software IES VE we assess how building design options respond to changing environmental conditions, occupancy patterns and operational demands throughout the year.

Our thermal modelling services support planning, compliance with Building Regulations, occupant wellbeing, and low energy design objectives by helping project teams understand building performance at each project stage. We work collaboratively with architects and wider design teams to optimise building form, façade performance, glazing and shading strategies, ventilation approaches and building systems to create comfortable internal environments with minimised energy demand.

Overheating and solar gain analysis evaluates how internal spaces respond to solar radiation, occupancy, equipment loads, building fabric, and external weather conditions. As buildings become highly insulated and airtight, and temperatures become more extreme due to climate change, overheating risk has become an increasingly important design consideration.

We support design teams in developing mitigation strategies to avoid overheating of homes and buildings. Dynamic thermal modelling is used to help design teams understand the effectiveness of proposed overheating mitigation measures and optimise solutions.

• CIBSE TM59: Design Methodology for the Assessment of Overheating Risk in Homes
• Overheating: Approved Document O
• CIBSE TM52 and Guide A for non-domestic buildings
• BB101 Overheating assessments for educational buildings

Thermal comfort refers to how occupants perceive and experience internal environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, air movement and radiant heat. Achieving good thermal comfort is essential for occupant wellbeing, productivity and perception of overall building performance.

Thermal comfort analysis considers how spaces perform throughout the year under varying occupancy and weather conditions, helping designers balance occupant wellbeing and comfort with operational efficiency.

We provide thermal comfort analysis for a wide range of building types and environments,

• Façade and shading optimisation
• HVAC strategy performance reviews
• Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted People Dissatisfied Indices
• Future climate resilience testing
• Comfort improvement studies for existing buildings

Heating and cooling load assessments determine the peak thermal demands placed on a building and form the basis for sizing heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Accurate load calculations are essential to ensure building services systems operate efficiently, economically and reliably.

Dynamic modelling allows peak loads to be assessed alongside annual load profiles accounting for solar gains, occupancy, ventilation rates, fabric performance and operational profiles. To enable optimised plant sizing and selection.

Our assessments help avoid oversized systems, reduce capital costs and improve long-term operational efficiency.

• Peak and annual heating and cooling load calculations
• HVAC plant sizing and optimisation
• Diversity and operational profile analysis
• Systems operation optimisation

Natural ventilation uses passive airflow through openings such as windows, vents, atria, and hybrid systems to provide fresh air and cooling without relying solely on mechanical systems. Effective natural ventilation design can significantly reduce operational energy demand while improving occupant wellbeing and indoor environmental quality.

Thermal modelling is used to assess airflow strategies, overheating risk and ventilation effectiveness under different environmental conditions.

• Natural ventilation feasibility studies
• Mixed-mode ventilation assessments
• Stack ventilation and atrium studies
• Overheating mitigation strategies
• Passive cooling feasibility studies

Every project has unique performance targets, environmental conditions, and occupancy requirements. Whether supporting healthcare, commercial, educational, or residential developments, our engineers use advanced thermal modelling to assess building performance and develop solutions that enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and compliance.

Our thermal modelling services can be applied to projects of all sizes and complexities, from refurbishment and fit-out schemes to large-scale new build developments. By simulating real-world building behaviour, we help design teams make informed decisions early in the process, reducing risk and optimising building performance before construction begins.

To learn more about our experience delivering thermal modelling across a range of sectors, view our recent projects here.